2 - 52.9 SAFETY RULES
Walk Around Inspection
Complete a walk around inspection of unit and work
area to understand:
• Work area.
• Your unit.
• All safety decals.
Work Area
ALWAYS check overhead and side clearances
carefully before operation. ALWAYS be aware of traffic
when operating along streets or curbs.
ALWAYS keep hands and feet within the limits of the
unit.
Keep children, people, and animals away. Keep
children out of work area and under watchful care of a
responsible adult.
Keep area of operation clear of all toys, pets, and
debris. Stay alert for hidden hazards.
DO NOT run engine in an enclosed area. Always
provide good ventilation.
Unit
ALWAYS keep protective structures, guards, and
panels in good repair, in place and securely fastened.
NEVER modify or remove safety devices.
Check Safety Interlock System for proper operation
daily (see Operation section). Do not operate unless
system operates properly.
Operation
Understand:
• How to operate all controls
• The functions of all controls
• How to STOP in an Emergency
• Speed ranges
Before starting engine, disengage auxiliary power.
Always back up slowly. Always look down and behind
before and while backing.
Never leave a running unit unattended. ALWAYS shut
off auxiliary power, lower throttle setting, and stop
engine before leaving unit. ALWAYS remove key to
prevent unauthorized use.
Never carry passengers on any part of unit.
Avoid uneven and rough terrain. DO NOT operate near
drop offs, ditches, or embankments. Unit can suddenly
turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or
if an edge caves in.
ALWAYS operate unit in good visibility and light.
Fuel is highly flammable and its vapors can explode.
Use ONLY approved fuel containers.
NO Smoking!
NO Sparks!
NO Flames!
Allow engine to cool before servicing.
NEVER fill fuel tank when engine is running, hot, or unit
is indoors.
Abnormal Vibrations are a warning of trouble. Striking a
foreign object can damage unit. Stop unit and engine.
Wait for all moving parts to stop. Remove wire from
spark plug. Inspect unit and make any necessary
repairs before restart.
Hazardous Slopes
DO NOT operate on steep slopes. Avoid operating on
slopes. When you must operate on a slope, travel up
and down the slope. Never operate cross a slope.
Never operate on a slope greater than 10 degrees.
If tires lose traction, turn off auxiliary power and
proceed slowly straight down slope. Avoid wet
surfaces.
Avoid parking on a slope. If necessary, use wheel
chocks.
DO NOT leave unit unattended on a slope. ALWAYS
use wheel chocks when leaving unit.
Child Safety
NEVER allow children to operate or play on or near
unit. Be alert and shut off unit if children enter area.
Personal Safety
Read and obey all warning, caution, and instructions
on the unit and in provided manuals.
• Only trained adults may operate unit.
• Training includes actual operation.
• Clearly understand instructions.
• Be alert! Conditions can change.
NEVER operate unit after or during the use of
medication, drugs or alcohol. Safe operation requires
your complete and unimpaired attention at all times.
NEVER allow anyone to operate the unit when their
alertness or coordination is impaired.
DO NOT operate unit without wearing adequate outer
garments. Wear adequate safety gear and protective
gloves. Wear proper footwear to improve footing on
slippery surfaces.
Protect eyes, face, and head from objects that may be
thrown from unit. Wear appropriate hearing protection.
Avoid Sharp Edges. Sharp edges can cut. Moving
parts can cut or amputate fingers or a hand. Wear
gloves to service unit when handling sharp edges.
ALWAYS keep hands away from any pinch points.
ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all moving
parts during operation. Moving parts can cut off body
parts.
DO NOT touch unit parts which might be hot from
operation. Allow parts to cool before attempting to
maintain, adjust, or service.